Crews battle brush fire in Juniper Flats near structures

This nighttime aerial view shows the Horseshoe Fire burning brush close to homes in the Nuevo/San Jacinto area. Photo courtesy of Cal Fire

A brush fire burning in an area between Nuevo and San Jacinto has covered 250 acres and is 20 percent contained, Cal Fire officials said.

The blaze, dubbed the Horseshoe Fire, was first reported at 5:52 p.m. Saturday in an area near Horseshoe Trail and Stagecoach Trail in Juniper Flats. By 6:40 p.m., it had spread to 75 acres. By that time, 34 engine companies and two tankers were battling the fire.

Evacuations were in place in San Jacinto near the intersection of Cottonwood Avenue and Warren Road. Homes in a community to the west of Warren Road and south of Mulberry Street were under a mandatory evacuation. Approximately 60 homes (200 residents) were evacuated in the affected area.


A care and reception center has been established at Tahquitz High School, 4425 Titan Trail in Hemet. No injuries have been reported.